“Making art is a career and a college major for people who can’t stand the thought of doing anything else,” Cheryl Hochberg. If anyone should know, it’s her. Hochberg is a painter, mixed-media artist, and the chair of the fine arts department at Kutztown University, a position she has held for the last nine years. She earned her BFA from the Tyler School of Art in Philadel... »
Bruises a little too dark to be masked by concealer, threats of PFA filings, police visits commanded by concerned neighbors, and the occasional empowering Blockbuster movie or chart-topping pop single are what we picture when we hear the words “domestic violence.” What we do not picture is a woman surrendering the contents of her paycheck to her abuser every week, e... »
Few things are as sacred to some children as their holiday wish lists. Of course, there’s never a guarantee that their wishes will be granted, but as children set out a tray of milk and cookies before pretending to fall asleep for the evening, the overwhelming sense of hope hangs in the air that someone – Santa, mom, dad or grandpa – will deliver their dreams come morning.... »
There is perhaps no better place to enjoy the holidays than the Lehigh Valley’s own “Christmas City”. A simple stroll downtown reveals a winter wonderland of elegant Christmas displays and beautiful holiday decorations, while the rhythmic sound of horse-drawn carriages and the quaint sight of the Christmas City Village create an enchanting atmosphere. Crossing the bridge o... »
Nobody does jazz like John Coltrane, wine like Burgundy, or improv like Will Farrell, and nobody does winter like the Lehigh Valley. From holiday-related festivities to season-specific activities, there’s nowhere we’d rather be but nestled in our cozy corner of Pennsylvania – at least until someone steals the parking spot we just shoveled out. ’Tis the season to get bundle... »
As temperatures outside continue to dwindle, most of us can’t get inside and warm fast enough. This time of year, our favorite places tend to be curled up by a fire, under the covers, and daydreaming about our rapidly fading memories of summer at the beach. Some people, though, are opting to get even colder: -200º to -250º F. (No, that’s not a typo.) Say what? It’s a “cool... »
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to show appreciation for those we love while we feast on our favorite foods, find liberation in libations, and cheer for a football team from the comfort of our couches. As for the rest of us, the holiday promises plenty of quality time with our kitchens, timers and patience. While breaking tradition might seem outlandish, there are more th... »
Despite popular belief, “Oktoberfest” is not how you say “beer” in German. In October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I, wed Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The town citizens were invited to celebrate the royal wedding and commemorative horse race in front of the city gates in Munich, Germany, and they had such a good time that they retur... »
On July 5, 2010, Dana Hahn’s life as she knew it was shattered. Her son, Luke, and husband, Kraig, were involved in an accidental propane tank explosion. Her husband sustained severe burns on 83 percent of his body that kept him in the hospital until Christmas Eve of that year, but their son was killed in the explosion. He was just two days shy of his thirteenth birthday. ... »
Every 26 seconds, a student in the United States drops out of high school. Within the confines of the Lehigh Valley, approximately 2.5 students drop out every single day. In 1970, the US held the highest graduation rate out of all developed countries. Today, it ranks 22nd out of 27. While these numbers are staggering, there’s still hope. “Every student is one caring adult ... »
